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Croatia v Portugal
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Kick Off: Monday 18th November at 19:45
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Competition: UEFA Nations League
Perhaps ahead of the start of the competition, people might have expected a tighter race between Portugal and Croatia for the number one spot but it’s been anything but.
Portugal have dominated the group and remain undefeated, meanwhile, Croatia’s inconsistency has thwarted them throughout the tournament.
This occasion presents an opportunity for both sides to rotate slightly and put on a spectacle for the fans.
⭐ Croatia v Portugal Best Bet
Averaging 5.6 shots on target per game, Portugal have tested the opposition keeper at least six times in four of their five Nations League clashes, including the reverse leg against Croatia.
The home side are expected to make several defensive rotations which could weaken them at the back, meanwhile, Portugal’s offensive depth will benefit them should they opt to do the same.
👕 Croatia v Portugal Predicted XI
🔍 Croatia v Portugal Players To Watch
⚪ Duje Caleta-Car
Caleta-Car is expected to start this match, which bodes well for those targeting the fouls market, as he has been a reliable option in this regard.
The centre-back averages 1.50 fouls per 90 minutes in Ligue 1 and has committed at least one foul in nine of his ten league appearances. Across all competitions, he’s fouled in each of his last six outings, including his most recent two games for Croatia.
He’ll come up against Kramaric who is averaging 1.60 fouls drawn per 90 in the Bundesliga this season. He’s been brought down in 14 of his 16 appearances this season (25+ minutes).
⚪ Luka Sucic
Currently averaging 2.41 shots per 90 in La Liga while primarily playing as a central midfielder, Sucic is expected to start out wide for Croatia, a role likely to significantly boost his shot-taking opportunities.
Despite playing in a more defensive position recently, this selection has landed in five of Sucic’s last six appearances in which he played over an hour.
Croatia registered 13 shots in their previous meeting with Portugal, and the visitors conceded 12 shots in both legs against Poland, implying chances should come the home sides’ way.
📂 Croatia v Portugal Cheat Sheet
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💻 Croatia v Portugal Form and Tactics
Recently Portugal have set themselves up to dominate games through controlling possession and will aim to neutralise Croatia’s midfield to do so.
They’ve averaged 63.6% of possession over the duration of the competition, suffocating teams and forcing defensive errors.
When these sides clashed last time, Portugal placed a grand emphasis on wing play and more of the same might be expected in that sense.
Trincao and Conceicao are expected to uptake those positions, in the absence of Bernardo Silva and Neto who were permitted to return to England early given The Selecao have already confirmed their position at the top of the league.
Gvardiol and Pongracic are the most likely fullback candidates, both of whom are natural centre-backs which could make for an interesting battle.
Pongracic in particular could find himself exposed five he has very little experience playing off the left and will come up against the ever-tricky Coneicao.
Kovacic and Modric who are both players who benefit from being in possession, will start in midfield, meaning Croatia are unlikely to sit back and allow Portugal control.
These aren’t the only interesting matchups and it looks like we could be in for a tactically fascinating affair.
🏁 Croatia v Portugal Ref Watch
- Referee: Davide Massa
- Across the span of Davide Massa’s career, he’s averaged an impressive 27.75 fouls per game.
- His yellow card count of 4.58 also merits intrigue and adds value to selections in the cards market.
- In his nine appearances this season, Massa has pointed to the spot on three occasions already. That’s in line with his career average of 0.32 penalties per game.
Football Betting Predictions at Andy’s Bet Club
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* I recommend waiting for confirmed team line-ups before placing any bets.
* All odds displayed correct at the time of publishing.
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